Apparatus for modular missile stowage



Jan. 12, 1965 R. E. TRAVIS, JR 3,165,205

APPARATUS FOR MODULAR MISSILE STOWAGE Filed Nov. 5, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 7 I! i o 2 5 g E [HO/ll!!! a o A U o I v 2. I"

a o A I: L 11 a a I Wr 1a$b h '4 L o O INVENTOR. RUSSELL E. TRAVIS JR.

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ATTORNEY Jan. 12; 1965 R. E. TRAVIS, JR 3,165,205

APPARATUS FOR MODULAR MISSILE STOWAGE Filed Nov. 5, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR' RUSSELL E. TRAVIS JR.

YVATTORNEY Jan. 12, 1965 R. E. TRAVIS, JR

APPARATUS FOR MODULAR MISSILE STOWAGE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 5, 1963 INVENTOR. RUSSELL E. TRAVIS JR.

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ATTORNEY Jan. 12, 1965 R. E. TRAVIS, JR

APPARATUS FOR MODULAR MISSILE STOWAGE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed NOV. 5, 1963 INVENTOR. RUSSELL E. TRAVIS JR ATTORNEY United States Patent 3 165,205 APPARATUS FOR MdDULAR MISSILE SIOWAGE Russell E. Travis, In, Washington, DC, assignor, by mesne assignments, to the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy Filed Nov. 5, 1963, Ser. No. 321,655 6 Claims. (Cl. 21160) The present invention relates to novel and improved modular stowage and handling apparatus and more particularly to a novel and improved modular stowage compartment or magazine which is specially adapted for use in handling missiles and other similar loads of varylng size.

In modern warfare missile designs change rapidly. As a result, missile storage compartments or magazmes must be equipped to handle missiles of many various k nds and sizes with safety and dispatch. Although various types of magazines have been designed in the past, none have been devised heretofore which are relatively simple in design and yet flexible enough to accommodate nussiles of the increasing number of different types and dimensions that are now an important and necessary part of a defense system.

It is therefore an important object of the present 1nvention to provide a novel and improved modular stowage compartment and apparatus which is specially adapted to handle missiles or other similar loads that vary substantially in design and size.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the improved modular missile stowage and handling apparatus of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view that illustrates the manner in which one of the improved stanchions of the invention is installed;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of one of the improved missile supporting brackets that are mounted on each stanchion;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a preferred embodiment of an improved grapple of the invention in its extended missile engaging position; and

FIGURE 5 is a cross sectional view along reference line 55 of FIGURE 4. I

A compartment in which the missiles or other items to be stored in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGURE 1 of the drawing. As shown therein, a plurality of elongated channel members or hat sections 3 are secured to the ceiling of the compartment in a predetermined parallel relationship in any suitable manner such as by means of the bolts or the like 5. A plurality of apertures 7 are preferably equally spaced as shown along the longitudinal axis of each hat section 3. An elongated channel member or hat section 9 is aflixed to the floor or the compartment beneath and parallel to each of the ceiling hat sections 3 preferably by means of the bolts or the like 11. A plurality of elliptical apertures 13 are formed as best shown in FIGURE 2 in each floor hat section 9, each said aperture in each floor hat section being substantially alined beneath one of the apertures 7 in its complementary overlying ceiling hat section 3.

A stanchion 15 is positioned between each pair of alined apertures 7 and 13 in the ceiling and floor hat sections 3 and 9. Each stanchion 15 preferably includes a pair of rectangular telescoping sections 17 and 19 which are secured in a fixed extended position when a bolt or pin 21 is positioned in a preselected pair of alined apertures respectively formed in sections 17 and 19 of each stanchion. The cylindrical projection 23 extends upwardly from the upper extremity of section 17 of each stanchion and is adapted to slidably engage any of the apertures 7 in any of the ceiling hat sections 3. The cylindrical projection with its elliptical extremity 25 extends downwardly from the lower end of section 19 of each stanchion. As will be more apparent hereinafter, the elliptical extremity 25 of each stanchion is adapted to be inserted into any of the elliptical apertures 13 in any floor hat section 9, rotated preferably 45 degrees and locked in position on the floor hat section by the bolt or pin 27.

A plurality of bracket assemblies or the like 29 are secured in any suitable manner such as by means of the bolts 31 to each stanchion. Each bracket assembly preferably includes a U-shaped channel member or the like 33, an arm 35 which is pivotably secured as at 37 to a lower portion of the channel member, and an arm 39 which is pivotably secured on bolt 31 to an upper portion of the channel member. Arm 35 is pivotably mounted on channel member 33 between ears that protrude therefrom as at 41 for limited movement between an extended load supporting position and a folded position as shown at 43 in which it is disposed substantially parallel to the stanchion. In its extended position the heel portion 45 of arm 35 engages channel member 33 and provides rigid support for the load or missile 47. The flexible buckle and strap assembly 49 which secures the load or missile in place on two or more brackets 29 preferably includes the strap or the like 51 which is adjustably secured to arm 39 at 53 in any suitable manner, the buckle 55 which is secured to the end of strap 51 at 57, and the double hook device 59 which is pivotably connected to arm 35 at 61. and engages lugs 63 on opposite sides of buckle 55.

The apparatus which is employed to transfer the missiles 47 from or into stowage in the compartment preferably includes a suitable conventional hoist mechanism 65 which rolls on conventional trackage 67 suspended as shown from the ceiling of the compartment. Since the details of the track system form no part of the invention, the same are not included herein for the sake of simplicity. For a full understanding of the invention it need only be understood that once the missile 47 is engaged by grapples or the like 69 and lifted to its elevated position by hook 71 of hoist 65, the missile may be transferred to its desired destination through any suitable conventional system of tracks, track switches and the like.

A pair of grapples 69 are preferably interconnected by the load bar 73 which is engaged by hook 71 of the hoist mechanism 65 when the missile 47 is either secured in its brackets 33 or removed therefrom for transfer elsewhere. Each grapple includes a vertical post or the like 75 having an outwardly extending arm 77 afiixed to its lower end. A suitable load or missile engaging pad or element 79 is preferably affixed to the outer end of arm '77. Sleeve 81 is slidably positioned over the upper end of post 75 and is adjustably fixed in any desired extended position thereon when bolt or pin 83 is disposed in a preselected pair of alined apertures respectively formed in post 75 and sleeve 81. Bifurcated arm 85 is pivotably mounted on opposite sides of the upper end of sleeve 81 at 87. Missile engaging element 89 is preferably pivotably mounted on block 91 which is journaled in the elongated apertures 93 disposed in opposite sides of the end of arm 85. The block 91 is adjustably positioned in apertures 93 by means of adjustment knob 95 on bolt 97 which rotates freely in the end of arm 85 and threadedly engages block 91.

Bell crank lever or the like 99 is pivotably mounted on sleeve 81 at 101 and is mechanically coupled to arm 85 by link 1613 which is respectively pivoted to lever 99 and arm 85 at 105 and 107. Any suitable latch mechanism such as that at 109 is preferably provided to lock arm 85 in its closed missile engaging position.

Link elements 111 are pivotably mounted on opposite sides of sleeve 81 at 113. The free ends of link elements 111 are preferably interconnected by the missile engaging roller 115. The said free ends of link elements 111 are also pivotably connected to link elements 117 which in turn are pivotably connected to arm 77 at 119. As will be more apparent hereinafter, link elements 111 and 117 are dimensioned and positioned on arm 77 and sleeve 81 such that as the disposition of sleeve 81 on post 75 is changed the three missile engaging elements 79, 89, and 115 substantially maintain a equidistant relationship to one another when arm 85 occupies its closed position.

Grapple supporting arm 121 is integrally connected to the upper end of sleeve SIbetween the bifurcated portions of arm 85 and extends upwardly and outwardly therefrom in the plane formed by arms 77 and 85. A plurality of apertures 123 through the outer extremity of arm 121 provide adjustment of the point at which lift from the book 71 and load bar 73 is applied to each grapple and its engaged miss le.

In operation depending upon the length of the missile or other device that is to be stowed in the compartment, stanchions 15 are suitably positioned between ceiling and floor hat sections 3 and 9 by removing bolt 21 between telescoping sections 17 and 19, positioning projections23 of section 17 in aperture 7, inserting elliptical extremity 25 of section 19 in the elliptical aperture 13 in the floor hat section 9, rotating the stanchion such that pin or bolt 27 can be inserted, and securing sections 17 and 19 of the stanchion in a suitable extended position by reinserting bolt or pin 21 through a pair of alined apertures in sections 17 and 19. Brackets 29 are then secured in position on each stanchion to accommodate the missiles 47 with suitable spacing therebetween.

In order to remove a missile from its stowed position on a pair of brackets, the load bar 73 with grapples 69 afiixed at opposite ends at a preselected point 123,

depending upon the expected center of gravity of the grapple assembly and load, is lowered on hook 71 to a position opposite the missile 47. Knob 95 of bolt 97 is then adjusted and sleeve 81 is positioned on post 75 such that all three missile engaging elements 79, 89, and 115 securely engage the missile when the missile is positioned within the jaws of grapples 69. Lever 99 is then operated and locked by latch mechanism 109 in its closed position.

Hoist 65 is then preferably operated to lift the missiles and grapple assembly to an elevated position for transfer on the ceiling track system to its desired destination.

A similar operation in reverse is employed to return the missile to its position in storage in the compartment.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

1. In a modular stowage compartment:

(a) a plurality of elongated hat sections afiixed parallel to one another on the ceiling of the compartment, each hat section having a plurality of equally spaced apertures along its longitudinal axis;

(b) an elongated hat section affixed to the fl o or of the compartment beneath and parallel to each of the ceiling hat sections, each floor hat section having an aperture alined beneath each of the apertures in its complementary ceiling hat sections;

(c) a stanchion disposed between each pair of alined apertures in the ceiling and floor hat sections;

(d) a plurality of L-shaped brackets disposed on each stanchion, one arm of each bracket extending outwardly from one face of the stanchion; and

(e) flexible means detachably secured to the free ends 4 of each bracket such that the items to be stowed can be secured therebetween.

2. In a modular stowage compartment:

(a) a plurality of elongated hat sections affixed parallel to one another on the ceiling of the compartment, each hat section having a plurality of equally spaced apertures along its longitudinal axis;

(b) an elongated hat section affixed to the floor of the compartment beneath and parallel to each of the ceiling hat sections, each floor hat section having an aperture alined beneath each of the apertures in its complementary ceiling hat sections;

(c) a stanchion disposed between each pair of alined apertures in the ceiling and floor hat sections, each stanchion including a pair of telescoping sections;

(d) means for securing the telescoping sections of each stanchion in a plurality of predetermined extended positions; 7

(2) a plurality of L-shaped brackets disposed on each stanchion, one arm of each bracket extending outwardly from one face of the stanchion; and

(f) flexible means detachably secured to the free ends of each bracket such that its items to be stowed can be secured therebetween.

3. In a modular stowage compartment:

(a) a plurality of elongated hat sections affixed parallel to one another on the ceiling of the compartment, each hat section having a plurality of equally spaced apertures along its longitudinal axis; 7

(b) an elongated hat section aflixed to the floor of the compartment beneath and parallel to each of the ceiling hat sections, each floorhat section having an elliptical aperture alined beneath each of the apertures in its complementary ceiling hat sections;

(c) a stanchion disposedbetween each pair of alined apertures in the ceiling and floor hat sections, each stanchion including a pair of telescoping sections, one said section having an axial projection which slidably engages the aperture in the ceiling hat section, the other said section having an axial projection with an elliptical extremity that engages and locks in the aperture in the floor hat section;

(d) means for securing the telescoping sections of each stanchion in a-plurality of predetermined extended positions; 7 7 7 (e) a plurality of L=shaped brackets disposed on each stanchion, one arm of each bracket extending outwardly from one face of the stanchion; and

(f) flexible means detachably secured tothe free ends of each bracket such that the items to be stowed can be secured therebetween.

4. In a modular stowage compartment:

(a) a plurality of elongated hat sections affixed parallel to one another on the ceiling of the compartment, each hat section having a plurality of equally spaced apertures along its longitudinal axis;

(b) an elongated hat section afiixed to the floor of the compartment beneath and parallel to each of the ceiling hat sections, each floor hat section having an aperture alined beneath each of the apertures in its complementary ceiling hat sections;

(c) a stanchion disposed between each pair of alined apertures in the ceiling and floor hat sections;

(d) a plurality of brackets for each stanchion, each bracket including a channel member, and arm pivotably secured to a lower portion of the channel mem her and movable between a position in which it extends outwardly from'one face of the stanchion and a folded position in .which it is substantially parallel to the said face of the stanchion, and another arm pivotably secured to an upper portion of the channel member; e v

(e) and flexible means detachably secured to the free ends of the arms of each bracket such that the items to bestowed can be secured therebetween.,

5. In a modular stowage compartment:

(a) a plurality of elongated hat sections affixed parallel to one another on the ceiling of the compartment, each hat section having a plurality of equally spaced apertures along its longitudinal axis;

(b) an elongated hat section aflixed to the floor of the compartment beneath and parallel to each of the ceiling hat sections, each floor hat section having an aperture alined beneath each of the apertures in its complementary ceiling hat sections;

(0) a stanchion disposed between each pair of alined apertures in the ceiling and floor hat sections, each stanchion including a pair of telescoping sections;

(d) means for securing the telescoping sections of each stanchion in a plurality of predetermined extended positions;

(e) a plurality of'brackets for each stanchion, each bracket including a channel member, and arm pivotably secured to a lower portion of the channel member and movable between a position in which it extends outwardly from one face of the stanchion and a folded position in which it is substantially parallel to the said face of the stanchion, and another arm pivotably secured to an upper portion of the channel member;

(1) and flexible means detachably secured to the free ends of the arms of each bracket such that the items to be stowed can be secured therebetween.

6. In a modular stowage compartment:

(a) a plurality of elongated hat sections afiixed parallel to one another on the ceiling of the compartment, each hat section having a plurality of equally spaced apertures along its longitudinal axis;

(11) an elongated hat section affixed to the floor of the compartment beneath and parallel to each of the ceiling hat sections, each floor hat section having an elliptical aperture alined beneath each of the apertures in its complementary ceiling hat sections;

(c) a stanchion disposed between each pair of alined apertures in the ceiling and floor hat sections, each stanchion including a pair of telescoping sections, one said section having an axial projection which slidably engages the aperture in the ceiling hat section, the other said section having an axial projection with an elliptical extremity that engages and locks in the aperture in the fioor hat section;

((2) means for securing the telescoping sections of each stanchion in a plurality of predetermined extended positions;

(e) a plurality of brackets for each stanchion, each bracket including a channel member, and arm pivotaoly secured to a lower portion of the channel member and movable between a position in which it extends outwardly from one face of the stanchion and a folded position in which it is substantially parallel to the said face of the stanchion, and another arm pivotably secured to an upper portion of the channel member;

(f) and flexible means detachably secured to the free ends of the arms of each bracket such that the items to be stowed can be secured therebetween.

References Cited by the Examiner UNETED STATES PATENTS 1,730,613 10/29 Mayo 248354 1,870,087 8/32 Beckwith 2ll60 2,456,620 12/48 Chadwick, et al. 89-1 2,817,444 12/57 Brandell 211-150 35 CLAUSE A. LE ROY, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN A MODULAR STOWAGE COMPARTMENT: (A) A PLURALITY OF ELONGATED HAT SECTIONS AFFIXED PARALLEL TO ONE ANOTHER ON THE CEILING OF THE COMPARTMENT, EACH HAT SECTION HAVING A PLURALITY OF EQUALLY SPACED APERTURES ALONG ITS LONGITUDINAL AXIS; (B) AN ELONGATED HAT SECTION AFFIXED TO THE FLOOR OF THE COMPARTMENT BENEATH AND PARALLEL TO EACH OF THE CEILING HAT SECTIONS, EACH FLOOR HAT SECTION HAVING AN APERTURE ALINED BENEATH EACH OF THE APERTURES IN ITS COMPLEMENATARY CEILING HAT SECTIONS; (C) A STANCHION DISPOSED BETWEEN EACH PAIR OF ALINED APERTURES IN THE CEILING AND FLOOR HAT SECTIONS; (D) A PLURALITY OF L-SHAPED BRACKETS DISPOSED ON EACH STANCHION, ONE ARM OF EACH BRACKETS EXTENDING OUTWARDLY FROM ONE FACE OF THE STANCHION; AND (E) FLEXIBLE MEANS DETACHABLY SECURED TO THE FREE ENDS OF EACH BRACKET SUCH THAT THE ITEMS TO BE STOWED CAN BE SECURED THEREBETWEEN. 